Key Takeaways:
- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has denied allegations that Addington Primary School prioritizes foreign pupils over South African children.
- MEC for Education Sihle Hlomuka visited the school to monitor pupil admissions and address concerns.
- The school’s enrollment data shows that 968 out of 1,548 pupils are South African, while 580 are foreign nationals.
- The department has made arrangements for unplaced Grade 1 pupils to be accommodated at a nearby ECD centre.
- Protests and allegations have caused trauma for teachers and learners, and the department does not condone the methods used by protesters.
Introduction to the Controversy
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has once again found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding Addington Primary School in Durban. The school has been accused of prioritizing foreign pupils over South African children, with allegations that the principal and majority of the staff are foreign nationals. These claims have been made by the March and March movement, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who have held protests outside the school demanding that South African children be prioritized in admissions. However, the department has refuted these allegations, stating that they are false and put innocent lives at risk.
Visiting the School
In an effort to address the concerns and monitor pupil admissions, MEC for Education Sihle Hlomuka visited Addington Primary School on Thursday. The visit was part of the department’s oversight to ensure that the school is following the proper procedures for admitting pupils. During the visit, Hlomuka was able to gather evidence that contradicts the allegations made by the March and March movement. The school provided data showing that out of 1,548 pupils, 968 are South African, while only 580 are foreign nationals. This evidence suggests that the school is not prioritizing foreign pupils over South African children, as had been claimed.
Enrollment Data and Undocumented Learners
The enrollment data provided by the school also shows that there are 17 undocumented learners, with 12 being South African and only 5 being foreign nationals. This information further contradicts the allegations made by the March and March movement, which claimed that the school was favoring foreign pupils. The department’s findings suggest that the school is following the proper procedures for admitting pupils, regardless of their nationality. Hlomuka emphasized that the department is committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
Addressing Unplaced Pupils
The department has also made arrangements for 11 Grade 1 pupils who have not yet been placed to be accommodated at a nearest ECD centre at a reduced rate. This move is aimed at ensuring that all pupils have access to education, regardless of their placement status. Hlomuka noted that there is still a list of 15 to 21 pupils that need to be placed, and the department is working to address this issue. The MEC emphasized that the department empathizes with the parents of unplaced pupils, but does not condone the methods used by protesters, which have left teachers and learners in trauma.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has denied allegations that Addington Primary School prioritizes foreign pupils over South African children. The department’s visit to the school and the evidence gathered have shown that the allegations are false and put innocent lives at risk. The department is committed to ensuring that all pupils have access to quality education, regardless of their background. The arrangements made for unplaced pupils and the efforts to address the remaining placement issues demonstrate the department’s commitment to providing education to all. However, the department does not condone the methods used by protesters, which have caused trauma for teachers and learners. The department will continue to work towards providing quality education to all pupils, while also addressing the concerns and issues raised by the community.
